How To Clean Sex Toys Safely: A Complete Hygiene Guide

Last Updated on 26 February, 2026 by Cara Sutra

Learning how to clean sex toys properly is one of the easiest ways to protect your sexual health, prevent irritation, and make sure every beloved toy you own stays safe to use, completely fresh and genuinely pleasurable throughout every erotic liaison. 

If you’re new to sex toys, cleaning them can feel confusing because there are so many different materials and designs, each of which may need different care. If you’re an experienced toy user, you’ll already know that a quick wipe isn’t the same as carrying out full and proper hygiene. Like all my adult product guides, this guide is for everyone. I’ll provide the everyday, practical routine that keeps all your toys clean, plus the deeper hygiene process for different sex toy materials and designs that keep them and you safe in the long-term.

Don’t worry; you don’t need an expensive kit to clean your toys properly. You just need the right information and method for the toy you have, a consistent cleaning routine and a few easy habits that stop bacteria building up in the first place.

The fast answer

Might seem obvious, but you need to clean your toy after every use. Yes, every single time; don’t just throw it under the bed or back in the drawer to fester awhile, leading to bacteria growth and increasing the risk of material degradation and health issues.

For most modern, non-porous toys (silicone, ABS plastic, glass, stainless steel), the everyday method is:

1. Warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap
2. Clean the whole surface, including seams and texture
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Dry completely
5. Store somewhere clean and dust free

If the toy isn’t waterproof, you should still clean it after every use. Just use a damp cloth and take extra care around charging ports, battery seams, and buttons.

If a toy is porous (for example, TPE, TPR, jelly style materials), you can reduce hygiene risks and help prevent surface degradation over time by washing after every use, but you can’t make it completely hygienic in the same way as a non-porous toy. I’ll provide more information about that later in this guide.

Cleaning sex toys properly means washing them after every use with warm water and mild soap, rinsing thoroughly, drying completely, and storing them in a clean environment. Non-waterproof toys require surface cleaning only, while porous materials need extra hygiene precautions.

That’s the short version. Below, I’ll walk you through the full process in detail, including material differences and deeper hygiene options.

Before you clean anything

A quick checklist before you go anywhere near the sink:

1) Check the manual or product page
Look for the words waterproof, water-resistant, splashproof, or non-waterproof. If there is no clear information, treat it as non-waterproof.

2) Remove batteries (if the toy takes them)
This reduces the chance of corrosion and makes it easier to keep the battery compartment dry.

3) Don’t assume a quick wipe equals top hygiene
Wipes can help in the moment, especially during travel, but they’re not the same as a full clean. Think of them as step one, not the whole routine.

4) Pick a gentle soap
A mild, fragrance-free hand soap is usually a safe choice for non-porous toys. Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, and anything heavily fragranced, because these can irritate sensitive tissue and can degrade some sex toy materials over time.

How to clean sex toys properly

• Wash after every use
• Use mild soap and warm water
• Dry fully before storage

Below you’ll find my full, detailed guide to cleaning sex toys properly. This helps prevent irritation or infection caused by toys that aren’t fully hygienically clean. Common infections include UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and thrush. Getting into good toy cleaning habits will also prolong the life of your sex toys.

Step by step: everyday cleaning

This is the routine you’ll likely use most of the time. It’s simple, but you still need to do it properly.

Step 1: Rinse first
Rinse the toy under warm water to remove any obvious residue. Warm is better than hot for most toys, plus it’s more comfortable to handle.

Step 2: Clean with soap
Apply a small amount of mild soap and use your hands to clean the surface. Focus on:

• seams where two parts meet
• textured areas and ridges
• the base of buttons, if the toy is waterproof
• suction cup bases, flared bases, and any seams or joins

A soft nail brush or old toothbrush can help with detailed texture, but use it gently. Make sure you store any cleaning brushes separately as dedicated cleaning tools, not something you use for anything else in the bathroom.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse until there’s no soapy residue at all. Leftover soap can cause irritation, especially for vaginal use.

Step 4: Dry properly
Most toys need to be dried as much as possible before setting aside. The initial drying right after washing isn’t optional; moisture is what allows bacteria and mould to thrive. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to remove as much moisture as possible, then let the toy air dry fully before storage.

Step 5: Store it clean
Once dry, put your toy away in a clean pouch, a storage box, or a dedicated drawer section. Dust and lint can cling to toys and then transfer to your body during use.

Waterproof vs water-resistant vs non-waterproof

These labels matter. Cleaning a toy the wrong way is one of the easiest ways to kill a motor or damage a charging port. The best sex toys are rarely cheap, so I’d hate for you to ruin a precious pleasure product due to any misunderstandings about waterproof ratings.

Waterproof
If the toy is fully waterproof, you can wash it under running water. Some fully waterproof toys can be safely washed in the shower. You should still avoid soaking for long periods unless the brand explicitly says it’s fine to do so.

Water-resistant or splashproof
You can usually rinse it quickly, but you should avoid submerging it. The safest way to clean these toys is a quick wash under a gentle stream, keeping the charging area away from direct water.

Non-waterproof
Don’t rinse it under the tap. Use a damp cloth to clean the surface and keep water away from charging ports, battery compartments, and seams. Follow up with a toy-safe cleaner if you use one, then let the toy dry completely.

If a product listing is vague, treat the toy as non-waterproof. Brands love to mention waterproof when it’s true, because it helps sales. Silence usually means it is not fully sealed.

About IP ratings for water resistance

Waterproof ratings on adult toys often use the IP system, which stands for Ingress Protection. The number after IP tells you how resistant the toy is to water. The most common ones you’ll see relating to sex toys are IPX6 and IPX7.

• IPX6 means the toy can withstand powerful water jets. In real terms, it’s fine for shower use and thorough rinsing under the tap, but it’s not designed for full submersion. This is generally considered ‘water resistant’ or ‘splashproof’ in sex toy terms.
• IPX7 means the toy can be submerged in water up to 1 metre deep for up to 30 minutes. That’s generally considered ‘waterproof’ with regards normal toy usage; safe for baths and deeper water play.

If a toy is labelled just ‘water-resistant’ with no IP rating, assume it’s splash-proof only. Always make sure battery caps or charging ports are fully sealed before any water exposure. Some rechargeable silicone toys have self-sealing charging ports.

Common cleaning myths

There’s a lot of advice floating around that sounds sensible but is either outdated or just plain wrong. These are the myths I see most often, then the truth of the matter.

Myth 1: If it’s silicone, you can always boil it
Not always. Only boil a toy if the brand explicitly says it’s safe. Never boil anything with a motor, charging port, battery compartment, seams that aren’t fully sealed, or a soft-touch coating. When in doubt, stick to warm water and mild soap, then a toy-safe cleaner if you want an extra hygiene step.

Myth 2: Wipes are enough
Wipes are handy in the moment, especially for travel, but they’re not a full clean. They don’t reliably remove residue from seams, texture, or porous materials. Use wipes as a quick stopgap, then wash properly as soon as you can.

Myth 3: Antibacterial soap is always better
Stronger isn’t always better. Harsh products can irritate sensitive tissue and may damage some toy surfaces over time. For most non-porous toys, mild, fragrance-free soap and a thorough rinse does the job perfectly well.

Myth 4: You can fully disinfect porous toys
Porous materials have tiny openings that trap bacteria, odour, and residue inside the toy, not just on the surface. Cleaning reduces risk, but it doesn’t make porous toys as hygienic as non-porous materials. Because bacteria can remain trapped, these toys carry a higher risk of irritation or infection if cleaning is inconsistent. Condoms can help reduce risk and extend the toy’s lifespan, but sharing toys or switching body areas is still a higher risk choice.

Cleaning by material

Different materials behave differently. I’ll give you a brief, practical and safe overview below. You can read my Sex Toy Materials Guide for more information relating to the different types, porosity, phthalates, body safety, lube compatibility and more.

Not sure how to clean different sex toy materials? Use this quick comparison guide for a fast overview before the detailed sections below.

Cleaning comparison by material

This quick reference table shows how different sex toy materials should be cleaned, whether they are porous, and whether boiling is safe. Always check your specific product instructions if you are unsure.

Material	Porous?	Can be boiled?	Recommended cleaning method
Silicone (non-porous)	No	Sometimes, only if non-motorised and manufacturer approved	Warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry fully. Optional deeper cleaning if suitable.
ABS plastic (non-porous)	No	No	Warm water and mild soap. Pay attention to seams and joins.
Glass (non-porous)	No	Yes, if no added components	Warm water and soap. Can be sterilised if manufacturer confirms suitability.
Stainless steel (non-porous)	No	Yes, if solid and non-electrical	Warm water and soap. Can be sterilised if appropriate.
Soft-touch coated toys	Usually non-porous surface	No	Gentle soap only. Avoid harsh cleaners and scrubbing.
TPE / TPR (often porous or semi-porous)	Yes	No	Cool to warm water and mild soap. Dry extremely thoroughly, including internal canals.
Jelly or realistic-feel materials	Yes	No	Careful washing with mild soap. Consider condom use to reduce bacterial exposure.

 

Silicone (non-porous)

Silicone is one of the easiest materials to keep hygienic.

Everyday cleaning: warm water and mild soap, rinse, dry fully.

Deeper cleaning: see the disinfecting section below.

ABS plastic (non-porous)

Common in bullet vibrators, suction toys, and many external toys.

Everyday cleaning: warm water and mild soap, rinse, dry fully.

Be careful with: seams where two plastic pieces meet, as residue can sit there if you’re not thorough.

Glass and stainless steel (non-porous)

These are straightforward because they have no pores to trap bacteria.

Everyday cleaning: warm water and soap, rinse, dry.

Deeper cleaning: these materials can usually handle more robust methods, but please always check if there are any added parts, like silicone bases or decorative joins, before boiling or soaking.

Coated toys and soft touch finishes

Some toys have a soft touch coating that can be damaged by harsh cleaners and alcohol-based sprays.

Everyday cleaning: gentle soap, avoid scrubbing too hard, rinse carefully, dry thoroughly.

TPE and TPR (often porous or semi-porous)

Many real-feel penis strokers and some soft dildos are made from TPE or TPR. These are more difficult to keep fully hygienic because they can hold onto residue and odours over time.

Everyday cleaning: cool to warm water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, dry fully.

Extra care: let the toy air dry completely after your initial wash and dry, including inside any canals or cavities. If it’s a stroker, make sure you dry the internal area properly. Moisture trapped inside is where problems start.

If your toy is made from a porous material and you’re prone to infections or irritation, you might want to keep it for external use. I’d strongly encourage you to switch to non-porous materials for internal use. No judgement, just risk reduction.

Porous toys: what to know

Porous means the surface isn’t completely sealed, which makes it harder to get the toy fully hygienic after use. The material has tiny pores that allow fluids and bacteria to seep inside, rather than staying on the surface where they can be washed away. This doesn’t mean you should immediately throw your porous toys away, but you must understand the risks and trade-off.

Porous toys can:

• hold onto odours
• hold onto residue even after cleaning
• become more prone to bacteria build up over time
• degrade faster, especially if you use harsh cleaners

If you use porous toys internally, consider using condoms on them to reduce bacteria growth risks in the material and prolong the life of the toy. I can’t in good conscience recommend sharing porous toys between partners, or switching between anal and vaginal use with insertable, porous toys. Condoms are an easy, optional barrier layer that makes cleaning and hygiene much safer, but may not remove all the irritation or infection risks involved in these sharing or switch-up situations.

Get more advice in my How to Share Sex Toys Safely guide.

Anal toys and cross contamination

Anal toys need careful cleaning because bacteria from the rectum should not be introduced to the vagina or urethra. This is a common route for irritation and infections.

Practical rules to keep you safe:

• Clean anal toys after every use, even if you used them with a condom.
• Do not use an anal toy vaginally without proper cleaning first. I keep anal toys just for anal use, personally. Vaginal toys are separate.
• If you switch body areas during the same session, use a fresh condom, or switch toys, or both.
• Flared bases are required on toys for anal play. It’s safety, not aesthetics.

If you want the simplest approach: keep a separate set of toys that are anal only. Clean them carefully and store them separately. Get more storage tips in my Sex Toy Storage Guide.

Disinfecting and deeper cleaning

Everyday cleaning is enough for most people, most of the time. Deep cleaning matters more if:

• you’re sharing toys with a partner
• you’re prone to UTIs, thrush, or irritation
• you’ve used a toy during illness
• the toy has been stored for ages and needs a refresh

How often should you deep clean sex toys?

You don’t need to deep clean after every single use, but it’s worth doing regularly if you want the safest, freshest routine, especially with insertable toys.

• After sharing: Always deep clean after shared use, even if you used condoms.
• After anal use: Give toys a deeper clean after anal play, particularly if you want to keep non-porous toys in top hygienic condition.
• After illness: If you used a toy while you were unwell, deep clean it once you’re feeling better.
• After long storage: If a toy has been sitting unused for weeks or months, give it a deep clean before using it again.
• As a simple routine: If you use toys often, a deeper clean every couple of weeks is sensible. If you only use them occasionally, once a month is plenty.

Below you can find some safe, practical deeper cleaning options.

Option 1: Toy cleaner spray
A good toy cleaner can be a useful extra step, especially for non-waterproof toys where you can’t rinse as thoroughly or easily. Some adult toy cleaners are to be left on, some require rinsing. Always follow the specific instructions for your product.

Option 2: Boiling (only for certain toys)
Boiling is only appropriate for some non-porous, non-motorised toys, and some high quality silicone toys without electrical components.

General safety rules:

• Only boil if the brand explicitly says it’s safe.
• Never boil anything with a motor, battery compartment, charging port, or vibration mechanism.
• Never boil porous materials like TPE or jelly.

If boiling is safe for your toy, just do it for a short time and make sure you supervise it. Use enough water so the toy doesn’t sit against a hot pan surface, and let the toy cool fully before handling.

Option 3: 70% isopropyl alcohol (for certain non-porous toys)
This can be used for glass toys and stainless steel products like njoy dildos, and sometimes for hard ABS plastic. It isn’t suitable for all finishes and can damage some coatings. Don’t use it casually on silicone unless you know the brand recommends it, as repeated exposure can affect some materials over time.

If you are unsure, stick with soap and water and a toy cleaner designed for intimate products.

Curious about glass toys? Find out if glass sex toys are safe in my related advice guide.

Drying properly

This is the step many people rush, but it’s the step that matters most for preventing bacteria and mould. It’s especially relevant to me, as I have a mould allergy. I’m not a fan of bacteria-laden toys either, come to that!

Damp storage is one of the most common causes of bacterial growth on sex toys.

Drying basics:

• Pat the toy dry with a clean cloth
• Let it air dry fully before storage
• Make sure textured areas and seams are dry
• For sleeves and canals, give it extra time so the inside dries fully too

Toy canals and cavities are awkward to get fully dry, but they’re a common feature of penis strokers and sex dolls. It was fascinating to test the Sex Doll Hole Dryer; check out that review for an electric drying option if you’re a fan of those toy styles.

If you ever notice a persistent smell, stickiness, or residue that doesn’t rinse away, that can be a sign the material is breaking down or holding onto bacteria. At that point, it’s safer to replace the toy than to keep trying to rescue it.

Storing toys hygienically

Simply put, clean storage keeps clean toys clean. It also protects toy surfaces from lint, dust, and contact with other materials.

Best practice storage:

• Only store toys when they’re fully dry
• Use a dedicated pouch or toy case
• Keep toys separated so materials don’t rub together
• Always keep toys away from direct heat and sunlight

If you have a lot of sex toys, drawer organisers are brilliant. The main goal is separation, cleanliness, and keeping toys away from dust and moisture.

Enjoy my full, safety-aware guide to Storing Sex Toys Discreetly.

Common mistakes

These are the mistakes I see most often, but happily they’re easily fixed.

1) Cleaning too quickly
A ten second rinse doesn’t remove residue in seams and texture. Take your time, your toy and your body deserve it.

2) Using harsh cleaners
Bleach, strong disinfectants, and heavily fragranced products can irritate your body and can damage some toy surfaces.

3) Storing toys damp
Moisture plus darkness equals a perfect environment for bacteria and mould. Dry your toys properly every time.

4) Assuming a toy is waterproof because it looks sealed
Lots of toys look sealed, but the label is what matters. When in doubt, treat it as non-waterproof and wipe clean carefully. When shopping for new sex toys, look for non-porous, waterproof options.

5) Switching between anal and vaginal use without thinking
Cross contamination is one of the most common ways people end up with problems. Switching between anal and vaginal use along with poor toy hygiene can contribute to UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, thrush, and general irritation. Keep a clear routine, use condoms, or ideally, use separate toys for different body areas.

Still have questions? Here are the answers to the most common toy hygiene concerns.

FAQ

How often should I clean sex toys?

After every use. If you’re sharing toys or switching body areas in the same session, clean between uses as well, or use a fresh condom. If a toy has been in storage for a long time, give it a quick wash before use too.

Can I use antibacterial soap on sex toys?

A mild soap is usually enough for everyday cleaning. Antibacterial soaps can be harsher, and harsh products can irritate sensitive tissue. If you choose antibacterial soap, keep it gentle and rinse thoroughly. If you are prone to irritation, fragrance-free and mild is usually the safer approach.

Do I need a sex toy cleaner?

Not always. Soap and water works well for most non-porous toys. A toy cleaner can be useful for non-waterproof toys, for travel, and as an extra step if you want additional peace of mind. The key is to use a cleaner designed for intimate products and follow the label directions.

Can I boil my toys to disinfect them?

Only if the toy is non-porous, has no motor or charging parts, and the brand confirms it’s safe. Never boil any toy with electrical components. Never boil porous materials like TPE, TPR, or jelly style toys.

How do I clean a vibrator that is not waterproof?

Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the surface, keeping water away from ports and seams. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry thoroughly. A toy cleaner spray can be useful here as an extra step, as long as it’s compatible with the toy and doesn’t require heavy rinsing.

What is the safest way to share sex toys with a partner?

Use condoms on shared toys, switch to a fresh condom between partners, and clean toys thoroughly after use. Non-porous materials are the safest for sharing, because they can be cleaned more reliably than porous materials.

When should I replace a sex toy?

If it has cracks, splits, a sticky surface that won’t wash clean, persistent odour, discolouration, or any surface damage that could harbour bacteria, it is usually time to replace it. Your body is more important than keeping an old toy alive; yes, even your favourite.

Check out my sex toy reviews to find a new fave, or check out my favourite products for inspiration. It’s true that many of the best sex toys have a high price tag, but you can also find some cheap effective toys out there too.

Final thoughts

Good toy hygiene isn’t about being precious or paranoid. It’s about protecting your body and making sure your toys stay safe to use. Once you have a simple routine, it becomes second nature, and your future self will thank you for it.

You may also find these guides helpful:

• Sex toy materials guide
• Sharing toys guide
• Sex toy storage guide
• Toy cleaners reviews

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